| The purpose of this quantitative study was to test the theory of attachment that assesses an attachment style's effect on the selection of a romantic partner. The researcher tested 4 hypotheses based on similar or differing attachment styles in the selection of a romantic partner. The sample consisted of 61 heterosexual couples between the ages of 18 and 64 who were currently involved in an exclusive romantic relationship of 6 months or more. The following hypotheses were tested: (1) Secure individuals will select romantic partners who have similar attachment styles. (2) Anxious-ambivalent (preoccupied) individuals will select romantic partners who have secure attachment styles or fearful-avoidant attachment styles. (3) Fearful-avoidant individuals will select romantic partners who have secure attachment styles or anxious-ambivalent (preoccupied) attachment styles. (4) Dismissive-avoidant individuals will select romantic partners who have avoidant (fearful or dismissive) attachment styles.;The attachment style dimensions were measured using Fraley, Waller, and Brennan's (2000) Experience in Close Relationship-Revised (ECR-R) to evaluate the dimensions of anxiety and avoidance directly. Additionally, Griffin and Bartholomew's (1994a) Relationship Scales Questionnaire (RSQ) measured the 4 adult attachment patterns: secure, preoccupied, fearful, and dismissing. The present study utilized a correlational analysis to test the hypotheses based on attachment style dimensions, and an intercorrelational matrix to test the 4 main hypotheses based on the 4 categories of attachment.;The findings suggest, in terms of attachment styles, that securely attached individuals are more likely to select a romantic partner with the same attachment style. Additionally, in terms of attachment style dimensions, females who are anxious are more likely to select a male who has an avoidant attachment style dimension. An interesting finding, not hypothesized, was that individuals with a dismissive-avoidant attachment style are more likely to select a romantic partner who is securely attached. There was no evidence to support that anxious-ambivalent or fearful-avoidant individuals selected securely attached individuals or that dismissive-avoidant individuals selected avoidantly (fearful or dismissive) attached individuals. Studies on romantic attachment have vital implications for practice, and consequently for enhancing relationship stability. This study can contribute to clinicians' growing understanding of attachment theory and adult romantic attraction. |
